Support the proposed UGB in Sisters
The Sisters UGB process is ready to cross the finish line in final adoption hearings, and it’s time for the community to give a final push of support to ensure we get to the other side.
We're excited that the city's proposed UGB offers a balanced, efficient, and community-supported approach that meets growth needs while protecting the character and resources unique to the Sisters area. It meets the applicable City, County, and State criteria, and it’s backed by a thorough, transparent, and community-driven process.
Here is the schedule of the three public hearings, with details on how to provide input. Scroll down to find a set of talking points to choose from or build upon.
1.) Sisters Planning Commission - May 21, 2026, 5:30 pm
UGB Hearing and Recommendation to Sisters City Council: Comprehensive Plan Amendment to adopt the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary Amendment
To provide in-person public testimony:
Council Chambers, City Hall
520 E. Cascade Avenue
Sisters, OR 97759
To provide virtual public testimony:
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87902177224
If attending the meeting via Zoom, the public can request to speak virtually by submitting your name, address and phone number and the subject you will be speaking on to cjenkins@ci.sisters.or.us by 3:00 pm the day of the meeting.
To provide written testimony:
Written comments can be provided by submitting an email to cjenkins@ci.sisters.or.us or dropping them in the utility mail drop box at City Hall by 3:00 pm the day of the meeting.
2.) Deschutes County Planning Commission - May 28, 2026, 5:30 pm
UGB Hearing and Recommendation to Board of County Commissioners: Deschutes County Plan Amendment and Zone Change
To provide in-person public testimony:
Barnes and Sawyer Rooms, Deschutes Services Center
1300 NW Wall Street, Bend
To provide virtual public testimony:
Zoom link: https://bit.ly/dcpzoom
Alternatively, the public may dial in 1-253-215-8782, and entering the Webinar ID: 824 8646 7893; and Passcode: 764609
To provide written testimony:
Written comments can be submitted to Kyle Collins, Senior Planner Kyle.Collins@deschutes.org
3.) Joint Sisters City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners - Date and Time TBD
UGB hearing to adopt Sisters UGB
A final hearing will be held following the conclusion of the Planning Commission process. Watch for an update and reminder once this is scheduled.
8 TALKING POINTS TO WORK WITH
You can use any of the talking points below as starting points, or draft your own.
When submitting written testimony, you can submit your comments to both the city and the county by emailing cjenkins@ci.sisters.or.us and Kyle.Collins@deschutes.org at the same time.
1. Strong community support
The proposed UGB reflects community preferences by refining the most supported alternatives from the engagement process and open house, demonstrating alignment with local values and priorities. Several property owners in the proposed UGB area have expressed their interest in being included in the UGB, and a respected local developer has shared a coordinated plan for a large portion of the area.
2. Can deliver on urgent housing needs
With several large, minimally developed parcels adjacent to the existing boundary and infrastructure, the proposed area is well-positioned to deliver on the city's most urgent housing needs in the near term, and support sustained development over the long term. The City is also drafting annexation policies that would require affordable, deed-restricted housing throughout the expansion area.
3. Supports development of a complete community
The proposed UGB supports the development of a mixed-use neighborhood that integrates housing, jobs, and services while enhancing walkability, connectivity, and access to downtown Sisters.
4. Provides sufficient and appropriate acreage
The expansion area is right-sized for the City’s next 20-years of growth and aligns with the City's projected land need.
5. Aligns with Statewide Planning Goal 14
The proposed UGB meets Goal 14 by directing future growth into "Priority 1" lands that will support the efficient accommodation of all identified land needs and the orderly and economic provision of public facilities and services, while also having limited environmental, economic, energy and social impacts, and compatibility with surrounding resource lands and associated agricultural and forest activities.
6. Protects natural resources and community-valued lands
By focusing future growth on lands already impacted by rural development, this intentional growth safeguards critical resources, habitat, and working lands.
7. The value of Urban Reserves
Designating urban reserves as an extension of this UGB expansion process would provide long-term growth clarity, improve regional coordination, and streamline future UGB expansions. We urge the City of Sisters to commit to Urban Reserves as a valuable next step in planning for Sisters' long-term future.
8. Oppose including the McKenzie Meadows Village properties in the Sisters UGB
These properties present wildfire, wildlife, and transportation concerns, and rely on inappropriate rezoning of protected forest resource lands—the last priority for UGB expansion under both Oregon statute and administrative rule. With over 1,000 acres of “Priority 1” land available, and only a 250 acre land need, these 58 acres are not necessary to accommodate future growth.